How Mike Sullivan’s availability could impact the Flyers’ coaching search

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It’s probably the biggest surprise of the NHL’s coaching carousel so far this year: Mike Sullivan, previously the second-longest tenured coach behind the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Jon Cooper, was fired by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday after 10 seasons — two of which ended with Stanley Cup championships.

Suddenly, Sullivan is the most accomplished coaching candidate now free to speak with other teams about their vacancies — and perhaps now even a few that don’t yet have vacancies might re-think their current situations with Sullivan now available.

It could also directly affect what happens with the coaching vacancy in Philadelphia.

The Flyers, as reported on Sunday, haven’t done much yet in their quest to find John Tortorella’s successor. Maybe they’re just taking their time, waiting to see who might become available. Or, maybe they already have a plan in place that they’re keeping quiet (Brad Shaw?) Regardless, nothing much has happened in the week and a half since their disappointing season concluded.

Prior to Tortorella’s firing on March 26, Sullivan ending up in Philadelphia didn’t seem all that far-fetched. If Tortorella had kept his job through the end of this season, he conceivably could have been moved into a front-office role, which seemed plausible considering his age (66) and his apparent power in the organization. Transitioning from Tortorella to Sullivan might have been seamless, considering that the two worked together for years in other organizations and are close friends. Remember, the only reason Tortorella ended up as an assistant coach for Team USA for February’s 4 Nations Face-Off, he said, was because of his respect for Sullivan, who wanted him by his side.

Prior to a Flyers-Penguins game in Philadelphia shortly after the tournament concluded, Sullivan spoke about how it was “a lot of fun” to work with his good buddy.

And, I also asked Mike Sullivan this morning about coaching with Torts at the 4 Nations: pic.twitter.com/nz8dVAEu80

— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) February 25, 2025

Now, though, that’s all moot. The Flyers and Tortorella endured a pretty rough breakup, and there’s already speculation that he could end up with the New York Rangers or Boston Bruins — two clubs that probably will be looking to quickly pivot from their disappointing seasons, and that feature more veteran-laden rosters.

In other words, Sullivan ending up behind the Flyers’ bench feels like a longshot.

But Sullivan’s departure from Pittsburgh could complicate the Flyers’ coaching search another way. It might make one potential target of theirs tougher to land.

Rick Tocchet has already coached for the Penguins. For three seasons, from 2014-15 through 2016-17, Tocchet was an assistant to Sullivan, and his responsibilities included overseeing the power play. Two of those seasons, 2015-16 and 2016-17, ended with a Stanley Cup championship. Further, Tocchet spent three seasons there as a player, including as part of the Cup-winning 1991-92 team. His ties to that city run deep, and many Penguins fans probably have Tocchet on their preferred short list already.

Another guy who might, too, is Sidney Crosby, who, as we detailed here (with help from colleague Josh Yohe), is a huge proponent of Tocchet and his coaching style. Considering how much of an advocate Crosby reportedly was for Sullivan, it seems possible the Penguins could try to please their superstar by bringing in someone that he already has a tremendous amount of respect for, in the 61-year-old Tocchet.

Again, as reported on Sunday, the Flyers haven’t had any formal discussions with Tocchet, because he’s still under contract with the Canucks. Neither they, nor the Penguins, are permitted to interview him for their job opening if and until Tocchet and the Canucks officially part ways — something that the Canucks are reportedly trying to prevent, as they would prefer keep Tocchet around on a long-term deal.

The Flyers probably have other potential candidates in mind. A team source on Sunday didn’t rule out candidates such as Joel Quenneville or Pat Ferschweiler, for example. Or, maybe Sullivan views the Flyers’ young roster favorably, and would welcome being part of an organization that is still trying to build something. At the very least, the Flyers should give him a call to gauge his interest.

Mike Sullivan’s coaching record

But if Tocchet is the Flyers’ preferred next coach, the one they’ve had in mind all along, the competition for his services may have just gotten a bit more intense.

(Photo of John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan at the 4 Nations Face-Off: Winslow Townson / Imagn Images)

This news was originally published on this post .

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